Audio makers always love to be “the most-most” at least in something. Small company already occupied its niche and offers customers the smallest DAC of all. Their new model UD120 is so small that it uses a simple USB connector as a case.
In 2012, Stoner Acousstics released their first UD100 D / A converter. Based on the Saber 9023, the UD100 didn't even have a case, instead the board was covered in yellow heat shrink. A year later, the UD110 version based on PCM5102 was released, supporting a higher sampling rate. It was delivered without any housing at all. This year there was an updated version of the UD120, which also uses the 5102 chip, but the sampling rate and bit depth reached the maximum frequencies. The DAC itself went up a bit (up to $ 70), but it got a brilliant case - the DAC is built into an ordinary USB connector.
Specifications
- Interface: asynchronous, USB Audio 2.0
- Bit depth: 16/24/32 bits
- Sample rates: 32 / 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 kHz
- DAC chip: PCM5102A
- Linear Stabilizer: TPS7A4700
- Volume control: -6 dB / step
- Output Impedance: 470Ω
- Output: 3.5 mm
Design
The UD120 comes in a simple antistatic bag. From accessories you get only the most necessary - a silicone cap that covers the USB plug itself.
As I wrote above, the device’s case is a USB connector, from which a 10-centimeter cable comes out, ending at the end of a 3.5 mm jack. Despite the use of a standard "headphone" connector, you can not connect headphones directly to the UD120. Despite the good “exhaust” voltage, the current UD120 is not able to sway the load of the type of headphones, so you need an amplifier. The latter often use two RCA connectors as an input, so you may need an adapter cable, I used , practically unparalleled in terms of price / quality ratio.
Due to its very compact size, the UD120 is very versatile. It perfectly complements any amplifier, adding to it the function of the DAC.
Sound
To listen to the DAC, I used the following equipment:
- MacBook Pro Retina Late 2013 as a source
- Audirvana Pro as a player
- Maverick Audio Audio A1, Yulong A28 and Cayin C5 as an amplifier
- Lossless Records
The following headphones were also used:
Despite its small size, the UD120 sounds pretty good. Primarily due to the good quality of the used DAC chip. In addition, the role played by minimalism. The harness is made almost in accordance with the datasheet, so the sound turned out exactly as the chip designers intended.
In general, the sound of the DAC is close to neutral, with a slight bias in the HF. Very pleased with the detailing that contributes to the creation of a volumetric “sound image” with a good separation of instruments.
Naturally, it should be understood that the more expensive DACs sound better, and when evaluating the sound of the UD120, it is worth taking into account the cost. The price / quality ratio of the Stoner Acoustics product is very high, and those sound defects that are present are only solved in products that cost three times as much.
Bass collected, neat, with a good texture. Sometimes I would like more physicality, but quantitatively it is, in general, enough. The use of the bass boost feature in Fiio and Cayin amplifiers or a timbre more expensive models helps fix this problem. Despite the lack of physicality, the bass is still quite good.
The mids are very lively, emotional. Their detail is also high, although not beyond. The separation of tools is not bad, so the virtual scene is built quite widely, but sometimes it lacks depth. You can also blame for the lack of elaboration of quiet sounds, but most low-cost solutions with digital volume control sinned with this.
High frequencies are very pleasant. They carefully balance on the edge, when they are enough to give volume, but not enough to make the sound completely cold and caustic. Aftertaste, light attenuation of notes, everything that gives the sound of volume and lightness is played well.
The DAC is fairly neutral and well suited for most genres of music, except, perhaps, for complex orchestral works. It is very critical to the quality of the recordings, so the use of good remasters with it is highly recommended.
conclusions
Very, very, very interesting device. Its small size makes it almost indispensable if, for example, you travel frequently or if you have a good inexpensive amplifier that lacks the function of a DAC. The UD120 combines well with portable amps like the Fiio E12 and the Cayin C5. Unlike previous models, the UD120 is already a complete device with its own body, and its highest price / quality ratio makes it worthwhile.
The article is based on materials .
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